U.S.-Palestinian relations have strained since last year when U.S. President Donald Trump unilaterally recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, triggering world outcry.

Since Trump’s controversial Jerusalem move, the Palestinian Authority has rejected any U.S. mediation in the Middle East peace process.

Jerusalem remains at the heart of the perennial Mideast conflict, with Palestinians hoping that East Jerusalem -- occupied by Israel since 1967 -- might eventually serve as the capital of an independent Palestinian state.